There are some big changes happening around here, and it's time to make the corresponding, and equally big, announcements. First, the good news (well, for Rick and me, anyway): Rick is retiring (finally, at 71 years old!) this fall and he and I will then take off in our travel trailer to see this big, beautiful country, with an eye toward eventually settling in New Mexico. To that end, we are putting our house on the market this spring. So, because we need to be ready to move at anytime, we will be unavailable for regular rehearsals as well as unable to commit to concerts this summer. That brings the bad news for us all: Just Desserts' final performance will be at the May 3rd Open Door.
Now, you may be wondering what will become of The Open Door if Just Desserts is not around to put it together. Take a second to resume breathing, close your gaping jaw, put away your soggy hankie, and fear not, for now follows the best news yet!
You know that this coffee house is a true community event and that everyone who has participated, either on stage or in the audience, feels some ownership in it. It's that very sentiment that I'm relying on to keep The Open Door going. The particulars are coming together now and will be solidified by the September coffee house, but you will be thrilled to know that: JP Stohrer will be putting the talent line-up together each month and will act as Emcee; Pam Stohrer will handle all the goings on in the refreshments room; and some folks from Smith church will be setting up and putting away the tables and chairs. Of course, everyone who stays to the end of the evening has always helped put away the tables and chairs and that is tremendously helpful, so plan on continuing to do so, please!!
There are many changes coming for The Open Door and it will look different in some ways. That is a fact. Also factual is that Just Desserts was not the only good thing about this coffee house. We have met lots of excellent local musicians and have enjoyed many different musical styles. All of these talented folks will continue to perform for you, I'm sure, and JP will, no doubt, be on that stage performing as well as Emceeing, so don't you worry. And remember, too, that feeling of community you get just by being there, and the energy the event generates. I'm counting on your still wanting to get your Open Door fix each month. And Rick and I will be there as often as we can in person, and every time in spirit.
Rick and I want to thank all the other members of Just Desserts (Barbara Daley, JP & Pam Stohrer, and Keith Fields) for being such a wonderful group of people to make music with and, even more importantly, for being such great friends to us. We will always value your friendship and recall our time together with smiles on our faces and gratitude in our hearts.
Extra special thanks to JP and Pam and Smith church for stepping up and taking responsibility for keeping The Open Door going. Our thanks, too, to Yvonne and Herm Wiegelman for doing posters and other publicity; and to Jeff Rand who runs sound for our sets and helped with set up and tear down. And thank you to all of you for chipping in and helping out in every way you can, just as you always have. Rick & I will miss our bandmates and all of you very much and hope you will keep supporting The Open Door as it goes through this transition phase, and beyond.
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